Disclaimer: ROBOTECH is a trademark owned and licensed by Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc. No infringement is intended. This fan fiction was written for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter XII

"How are you feeling, sweetie?" Claudia leaned forward to kiss her boyfriend, who was resting on the sofa.

"I'm bored!" Roy pouted. "I need to get out of this house!"

"The doctor ordered you get as much rest as possible, Roy." She sat next to him.

"I know, Claudia. It's just that I miss flying so much."

"I know you do." She smiled at him. "We miss you, too."

"How are things on the base?"

"All is calm."

"I mean between Lisa and Rick."

"I rarely see, Lisa."

"You're lying."

"Why would I be lying?" Claudia feigned innocence.

"Because Lisa's your best friend and because you're angry at Rick. Come on, Claude! I told you nothing is going on between Minmei and Rick."

"I heard you the first time, Roy but every time I see Lisa and the hurt in her eyes...I could strangle your little brother!"

"I know. I told him living with Minmei was a bad idea."

"What's the truth behind all this, Roy? Why would she want to live with Rick? Does she want him back?"

"I told you what I know. She got in some type of argument with her manager- -"

"Boyfriend," corrected Claudia.

"She had an argument with her boyfriend and needed a place to stay. That's all I know."

"Humm...there has to be something more to this story."

"Well, if there is, I don't know it. All I know is that Rick is upset with this situation."

"Too bad! It's his fault."

"Claudia!" Roy looked at his girlfriend.

"Don't even get me started, Roy. I'm still mad at you for having Minmei plan our wedding."

"You can't complain. She's done an excellent job." He poked at her ribs. "Admit it!"

"No!"

Roy tickled her. Claudia tried to contain herself but she burst out laughing.

"That's my girl!" The blond pilot kissed her cheek. "Minmei isn't that bad, is she?"

"She's okay," admitted Claudia. "Were the girls really doing such a bad job?"

"They were making our wedding into their wedding, Claudia! They were calling me all day and night to advise me of the changes they were making. It was chaos!"

"Alright, I believe you but now they are angry at me for not "firing" Miss Macross."

"They'll get over it."

"Oh, they have. I put them in charge of our bachelor/bachelorette party."

"Our what?!" Roy gave her a surprised look.

"Is there a problem, Roy?"

"I thought we were going to have separate parties, honey," said Roy awkwardly.

"The girls came up with this idea and I found it quite interesting."

"Interesting indeed," mumbled Roy.

"Don't worry, Roy. We'll still have strippers – male and female!"

"What?!"


Minmei was sulking by the window.

Where is he?

"What's wrong, Minmei?" Rick's voice startled her and she jumped in her seat.

"I was thinking about Kyle..."

"Good thoughts or bad thoughts?"

"Angry thoughts. I'm wondering what's taking him so long."

"Maybe he hasn't heard the news..."

"I'm famous, Rick. He must know by now..." said Minmei arrogantly.

Rick resisted the urge to roll his eyes at her.

"He must be on his way."

"I really hope so. I'm so sorry, Rick." She looked at him with embarrassment.

"About?"

"I've ruined your relationship with Lisa...and everyone hates you."

"It'll be okay, Minmei."

"Are you sure you don't want me to speak to her?"

"I'm sure. My word that nothing is going on between us should be enough."

"I really don't think it's that simple. If I were Lisa, I would have come here and ripped my hair out!"

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah! No one gets between me and my man!"

"Well, guess Lisa doesn't feel that way."

They heard a loud bang and before they could move, someone ran in and punched Rick square in the jaw. Rick fell with a grunt to the floor.

"Kyle!" Minmei jumped from her seat.

"How dare you?" Kyle balled his hands into fists as he looked angrily at Rick.

"It's not what you're thinking," said Rick standing.

"Really?" His voice was sarcastic. "You and Minmei are living together and it's not what I'm thinking?"

"I knew it was the only way to have you come back to me!" shouted Minmei.

Kyle looked at her in disbelief. "What?"

"I planned it. I needed to get you back. I've missed you so much, Kyle!"

"This is the stupidest thing I ever heard, Minmei." He crossed his arms over his chest.

"Don't you see? It worked! You came back!" She smiled at him.

"Something had to be done. You're a Lynn; we have a reputation to keep."

Rick moved his jaw from side to side as he looked at the couple.

"Kyle, I'm so sorry! Please forgive me! I'm in love with you!"

"You're in love? With me?" He frowned. "And, you're living with him?"

"It's true, Kyle," said Rick.

"Stay out of this, pilot!" He glared angrily at Rick.

"There's something more, Kyle...I'm going to have a baby."

"You were supposed to say that before he punched me," muttered Rick. She ignored him.

Kyle gave her a blank stare.

"Aren't you going to say something?" asked Minmei happily.

"Who's the father?"

Minmei took a step back as if she had been struck. She lifted a hand towards her heart.

"You don't mean that..."

"It's a simple question, Minmei, who's the father?"

"You are! You jerk!" The petite woman looked at him full of hurt.

"How will I know for sure? You did spend a night with him, after all."

"What?!" Rick gave him a bewildered look. "You've got to be kidding!"

"I have no proof that baby is mine," insisted Kyle.

"It's yours!" Minmei started to cry.

"Only DNA could prove that..."

"You can't get that until the baby is born," said Rick.

"Then I guess she's all yours until the baby arrives," said Kyle coldly.

Kyle turned in his heels to leave. Minmei grabbed his sleeve.

"Please don't leave. It's yours! It's ours!"

"It's hard to believe you, Minmei..."

"Was I ever unfaithful to you?" asked Minmei on the brink of desperation.

"I don't know..."

Too hurt to say anything else, she let go of him. Kyle walked out of the house as Minmei sobbed.

"I'll go get him, Minmei," said Rick before leaving the house. He caught up with Kyle and grabbed his arm.

"Let me go!" Kyle gave him a furious look.

"Don't be a fool, Kyle! Minmei loves you and she's been waiting for your return."

"I find that hard to believe."

"It's the truth. She loves you and- -"

"I don't care. I stopped caring."

"What about your baby?"

"If it's mine..."

"You don't mean it and you know it." Rick gave him a hard look.

"You know nothing, soldier." Kyle pulled away and disappeared into the night.


"Is he coming back?"

"I don't know..." He sat besides her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"I was so sure he was going to be happy when he heard about the baby."

"Did you ever give him reasons to doubt you?"

"I can't believe you're asking me that, Rick. I've never, ever cheated on Kyle."

"Sorry, Minmei..."

"The only other man I ever looked at was you, Rick, and we've never done anything."

"Besides share a few kisses..."

"If you can call those kisses," teased Minmei.

"Hey! I've never had any complaints!"

"Of course not, silly! She's in love with you!" Minmei ruffled his hair.

"What are you going to do now, Minmei?"

"I really don't know..."


More than two weeks had passed since Lisa had seen Rick. Gloval had transferred her aboard the SDF-2 to work with him and Lang on its construction. The admiral was aware of the situation his "daughter" was going through and had decided to ease her pain, even if it meant losing her on the bridge.

Nowadays, it was rare to see her in the SDF-1 and if she was aboard, Lisa made sure it was during Rick's flight patrol. She didn't want to see him, it was just too painful. She tried to stay as busy as possible to ignore the ache she was feeling in her heart. It was almost unbearable to think about Rick, especially because she knew Minmei was waiting for him at the house where she had spent so many nights.

Lisa read the memo in front of her and felt her eyes get misty. Rick had been promoted and had received a medal of valor. She felt a sense of pride.

I guess I can't pull rank, anymore...Lisa smiled sadly.

She missed their banter. She missed seeing his face on her screen and hearing his voice through the tac net...she missed all of him!

But he made his choice...

Rick had hurt her pride, had made her the laughing stock on the base...all for his precious Minmei! He could have promised her the moon and Lisa would not have returned to him. She sighed and leaned into her chair.

Claudia would never forgive her if she missed the bachelor/bachelorette party. It was to be held at a bar downtown. Lisa knew that as maid of honor she had duties...the only problem was that Rick, as best man was also to be there.

I can do it...I can do it...

Lisa stood from her desk and turned the computer off. She grabbed her purse and headed to the elevator. Five minutes later, Lisa exited the SDF-2 and started walking towards her house.


The sun was starting to set as Rick observed the Veritechs leave for night patrol.

"You should be smiling, captain."

Rick turned his head to see Max standing next to him.

"Hi Max."

"What's wrong with you?" Max's hand patted his back. "You look as if you carried the weight of the world on your shoulders."

"That's how I feel."

"Why on Earth would you feel like that? You were just promoted!"

"Being captain means more responsibilities," said Rick leaning onto the rail on the observation deck. Something glittered in the afternoon sun.

"That's usually is the reward for good work, Rick." Max smiled. "Is that your medal?"

Rick nodded and handed it to him. Max whistled appreciatively.

"Nice! You must be proud!"

"A medal is just something to show my kids...if I ever have them."

"Okay. You defeated Khyron, shouldn't you be happy?"

"We don't know that for sure..." replied Rick sullenly.

"Aren't you just a ray a sunshine?" said Max full of sarcasm. "What's really bothering you?"

"Lisa. She wasn't present during the ceremony."

"Did you expect her to show up and congratulate you?" He looked at him with wide eyes.

"I was hoping..."

"She's hurt, Rick. There's no way she would show up, kiss you on the cheek, and pretend all is ok between the two of you."

"Why can't she understand? I'm only helping a friend."

"A friend you were in love with."

"That was years ago, Max! You know that!" Rick sounded annoyed.

"I guess you didn't do a good job of convincing Lisa that she's the real thing."

Rick glared at Max. The ace pilot lifted his hand in sign of surrender.

"It's only my opinion, Rick."

Rick huffed and stared into the skies. Max leaned onto the railing and imitated his boss.

"How much longer is she going to stay with you?"

"I have no idea, Max. This has become one huge mess."

"So, things didn't go as well as you planned them?"

"Not one bit. Minmei was sure Kyle would return and whisk her away."

"From the big, bad pilot?" teased Max. Rick gave him a dirty look.

"Not funny."

"You said Kyle showed up...what went wrong?"

"I really can't tell you more, Max. All I know is that I'm stuck with Minmei and Lisa won't speak to me. How much worse can it get?"

"I don't know what to tell you, buddy. What I do know is that it's almost time to get ready for the party."

"That's right! I almost forgot!" Rick glanced at his watch.

"You're the best man, how can you forget?"

"Age, I guess..."


Vanessa, Kim and Sammie were at a table with their boyfriends. The Zentraedi men were all smiles, excited to be at their first bachelor party.

"All this food is free?" asked Bron.

"That's right," said Sammie.

"And all these drinks?" asked Rico.

"I think you've had enough of those," said Kim removing a drink from his hand.

"These guys are going to flip when they see the strippers," whispered Kim to her friends.

"Not only that – wow!" Her eyes diverted to the entrance.

"Is that?" Vanessa removed her glasses to wipe her lens.

Miriya pointed to the door and Max almost choked with a Vienna sausage. Miriya patted his back, amused at his reaction.

"She looks great, doesn't she?" Miriya smiled at her husband.

"Wh-what?"

"Do you like the outfit, Max? I helped her choose it myself."

"You helped her?" Oh, boy! Rick's in trouble!

"She looks beautiful, doesn't she?" asked Miriya full of pride.

Max turned to look at his wife as he pondered on the correct answer. Under normal circumstances, with a human wife, he would have said that she looked the same as always – pretending he really wasn't looking...but Miriya was a different story.

"Yes, she does. You did a great job, honey." He kissed her cheek.

"Think Rick will like it?" Asked Miriya mischievously.

Lisa walked into the bar. She could feel all eyes on her and forced herself to keep walking and not run away. The males noticed her immediately and whistled at her. Lisa turned around, her hands on her hips and looked at them.

"May I remind you I'm your superior officer?"

The men quieted down and their jaws dropped.

"Cap-captain Hayes?" Stuttered one of the pilots.

"Yes. It's Captain Hayes," said Roy approaching her. "Don't you forget that?"

"That's right!" She winked at them.

Roy wrapped his good arm around her shoulders and led her to his table. She greeted Claudia and sat down.

"Nice to see you, captain," teased Claudia.

"I know. I know...I've just been so busy on the SDF-2."

"How's that going?" asked Roy.

"Good but I don't want to talk about work. Why don't you tell me how you're doing?"

"Not as good as you." He looked at her appreciatively. "You look damn fine!"

"Oh, shush!" Lisa blushed. "How's the arm?"

"It itches and I wish they would remove the cast...but they won't." He pouted.

"Guess you're getting married with it."

"Seems like it."

"Is that a new outfit, Lisa?" asked Claudia.

"Miriya made me buy it."

"Great choice," said Claudia as she glanced sideways. "A certain someone has been staring at you since you walked in."

Lisa held the urge to yell "YES!" and jump up and down.

"What were you thinking when you decided to wear that?" asked Roy.

"Just wanted to look pretty."

"For you...or for him?" teased Roy.

"For me, of course!"

It was a lie. She had decided to wear that outfit to lift her spirits but also to show Rick what he was missing.

"Well, my little brother hasn't stopped gawking at you since you arrived."

"Where is he?"

"By the jukebox."

Lisa slightly turned her head and her eyes met with Rick's...

Captain Hunter was indeed staring. He had never seen Lisa wear a skirt that short. It was a mini skirt that showed her well toned thighs. She wore a fitted red colored blouse with short sleeves. Her hair fell in loose ways down her back...just the way he liked it. She was stunning! Rick felt a twang of jealousy in his gut as he noticed the other soldiers staring at her.

Lisa pulled her eyes away as Max placed a drink in front of her.

"Hello Max. Hi Miriya."

"Hello Lisa. It worked, didn't it?" asked the Zentraedi. Lisa winked at her.

Minmei came by the table with a platter of finger food. She smiled and greeted them all, giving Lisa a sheepish smile. Out of courtesy, Lisa smiled even though what she wanted to do was choke her. One she was gone, Lisa poked Claudia's arm.

"What is she doing here?"

"She's the wedding coordinator. I thought I told you."

"Did she have to come to the bachelor party?"

"I couldn't say no."

"Why?" Lisa eyed her suspiciously. "Claudia Grant, are you starting to like her?"

"She's not that bad...once you get to know her," admitted Claudia guiltily.

"What?!"

"We've talked a bit and she assured me she's in love with Kyle."

"Right."

"She seems honest. Besides, I haven't seem them get romantic or anything like that."

"If you say so..."


"Go get her, Rick," said Minmei over his shoulder.

"She doesn't want to speak to me."

"Are you going to listen to her?" Minmei gave him a serious look.

"I want to respect her wishes."

"Stop being so dense, Rick. You love her. She loves you. You should be together."

"You're forgetting a small detail, Minmei..."

"I know. I caused a mess but I'm fixing it. Right now!"


Lisa saw Minmei come towards her and bolted towards the restroom. The singer didn't give up and followed her.

"Lisa." Minmei shut the door behind her and glanced around the restroom.

"Please leave me alone," responded Lisa from one of the stalls.

"You're a military woman, Lisa. I thought you'd have more guts than this."

Minmei knew the effect her words would have and smiled triumphantly as Lisa faced her.

"What do you want, Minmei?" Lisa glared at her.

"I want you to know that there is nothing going on between us."

"Really?" The sarcasm in Lisa's voice was obvious.

"It's kind of a long story- -"

"Don't have time to listen to it."

"Please do." Minmei grabbed her arm. "Please."

"Fine. I'll listen."


An angry Lynn-Kyle walked down the streets of New Macross City. His black hair flowed with each of his steps, and more that one woman stared at him He was a handsome man, who looked even more dashing when he was upset.

What should I do?

He felt a horrible confusion towards Minmei and his feelings. He still loved her. Heck! He never stopped loving her but he just couldn't understand her. He remembered his conversations with his parents. They had told him that Minmei had been distraught when he left, that she had spent almost a week in bed, and that one day she had gotten up and said she had the brightest idea to get Kyle back.

She moved in with the pilot to get me back?

What kind of reasoning was that? It was Minmei reasoning.

He couldn't help but smile. She was quirky, he had to admit.

And spoiled, and childish but I love her!

He was going to be a father! Would it be a little girl he could spoil? Or a little boy to teach martial arts? He pictured a baby with blue eyes like hers and grinned.


"Do you believe me now?" Minmei flattened the front of her dress. "I'm almost sixteen weeks."

Lisa did a quick calculation in her mind. Minmei looked at her,disappointed.

"You don't believe me..."

"It's hard. I saw you..."

"I already explained that that was a stupid mistake on my part. I was stupid, Lisa. Believe me!"

"Fine. I believe you."

"That wasn't too hard, was it?" Minmei grinned.

"Not really."

"Look, I know you must hate me, Lisa but please give Rick a chance. He's been so upset over this mess."

"I don't know..."

"What? He loves you. He's crazy over you!"

"I think it's a little too late for us. Too many things, too many misunderstandings."

"Oh, my gosh! I've ruined Rick's love life!"

Lisa grinned. "Don't be a drama queen, Minmei."

"You noticed? Damn! I'm losing my touch!"

The two women laughed. Suddenly, Minmei wrapped her arms around Lisa. The soldier lifted her eyebrows in surprise.

"Don't be too hard on Rick. He's kind of dense but he always has the best intentions - -"

Minmei was interrupted by the bridge crew that entered the restroom. Their jaws dropped at the scene in front of them. Lisa pulled away.

"Don't even think about asking," she said before exiting the room followed by the singer.

They returned to the main room; Lisa went back to her friends and Minmei to Rick.

"It's done." The singer sat next to the pilot.

"What's done?"

"I spoke to Lisa?"

"You what?!" He nearly jumped to his feet.

"I explained everything to her."

"And?" asked Rick full of hope.

"Didn't go well." Minmei crossed her arms. "She's a tough cookie."

"I know." He sighed.

"So, what are you going to do now?"

Rick didn't have a chance to answer as the DJ played a slow romantic song. His eyes diverted towards Lisa.

At that precise moment, Lisa lowered her eyes and shook her head in disbelief.

"Oh, no!"

"What's wrong?" asked a concerned Claudia.

"That song...Rick and I danced to that song..."

It was painful. That night had seemed so perfect...and now, it was so far away.

Across the room, Rick had finished telling Minmei why that song was so special to them.

"Ask her to dance," she suggested.

"Are you nuts? She'll throw the glass of wine at me."

"Can't you pay the dry cleaning?"

Rick gave her a dirty look. Minmei punched him playfully in the arm.

"Go get her, flyboy!"

Back at her table, Lisa saw him stand up.

He wouldn't...

"I think your lover boy is heading this way," whispered Claudia.

"How dare he?" Lisa stood up and grabbed her purse.

"Where are you going?"

"Home." She hurried towards the exit as she bumped into the dancing couples.

Rick saw her flee from the table and ran after her...only to see her leave in the backseat of a cab.


Several hours later, Rick was tossing and turning on the couch. He couldn't get the image of Lisa running from him out of his mind.

She must really hate me...He thought full of pain.

"Rick..." Minmei's voice interrupted his thoughts. He stretched his arm to turn on the lamp. The girl was standing next to him with her bag by her feet.

"What's going on, Minmei?"

"I'm going home, Rick. I can't take this anymore. I need to see Kyle."

"I understand."

"I wanted to thank you for everything. You are truly the best friend I've ever had."

"Do you want me to call a cab for you?" He rose to his feet.

"I already did." She hugged him before kissing his cheek. "I'll miss you, roomie."

"I'll miss you, too. You're good company."

"Don't let Lisa get away, Rick. She's what you need."

"What I need?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Face it. You need someone to keep you in line, the same as I do. I have Kyle and you have Lisa."

"Is that so?"

"You know it's true." She picked her bag before heading to the door.

"I know it's true." He opened the door. "Will you be okay?"

"If Kyle takes me back." She exited the house. "If not...I'll be back."

Rick crossed his fingers as she entered the cab.


Minmei entered the restaurant using her old key. She tiptoed up the stairs and walked towards his room. She couldn't help but smile as she saw the dragon nameplate Aunt Lena insisted on hanging on Kyle's door. Softly, she pushed the door open and went to his bed. Kyle's sleeping form was sprawled all over the bed.

Always hogging the mattress...thought Minmei with an amused smile.

He moved in his sleep, uncovering himself, revealing he was shirtless. She felt her blood stir and felt the need to touch him. She let her hand rest over his heart and sighed.

"Kyle..."

His eyes fluttered open, the dark orbs focusing on the loving, blue eyes.

"Minmei!" He sat upright. "What are you doing here?"

"I came for you," responded the girl sitting at his feet. "I missed you."

"You got tired of you pilot, huh?" The pain in his voice didn't go unnoticed by the singer.

"No. I got tired of being without you."

"I got used to being without you..." said Kyle cruelly.

Minmei took his hand in hers and placed it over her belly. He widened his eyes at the bulge he felt under his skin. He pulled away

"I need you. We need you."

"You said you didn't. You were quite clear that day."

"I was a jerk that day!" She stood up, annoyed. "I'm sorry!"

"Minmei- -"

"I love you, Kyle! It's you I love! Please tell me it's not too late. I'll do whatever you want."

"Whatever I want? That's a first! Lynn Minmei's thinking about someone besides herself."

"Stop being sarcastic, it doesn't suit you."

"I'm just stating the obvious facts." He rose from his bed and opened the curtains to let the moonlight in. "You can't change overnight."

"You're right but...will you give me an opportunity to prove it to you?"

Minmei walked towards him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She pressed her cheek up against his back. "I love you, Lynn Kyle. I always have."

Kyle let out a frustrated sigh and turned to embrace her.

"Are you sure, Minmei? Are you sure you're not in love with the pilot?"

"There was a time I thought he was love but I was wrong...I was foolish. It's you, Kyle! It's always been you!"

"I'm not up for games, Minmei. I'm ask- -"

"Stop asking! Believe me!" She buried her face in his chest. Kyle felt her tears on his skin. "I love you! Will you give me another chance?"

Kyle's hand rose to hold her chin between his fingers and looked into her eyes.

"I will...I love you, Mimi..."

Minmei smiled and threw her arms around his neck to lower his lips to hers.


To be continued: Roy and Claudia's wedding.

AN: Thank you for your emails and for reading this fic. Please review.

Lord Destroyer: Thanks for the email. No, Khyron is not dead. He's just out of the picture...for now. The ring is in Rick's nightstand...wonder if he should bring it out anytime soon...?

K71: Many thanks. I didn't want Lisa to cry anymore...she has suffered a lot already.

Knights Templar: I'll try to make you happy.

Admiral RT: Thanks for reading! Do you think Lisa should give him another chance?

Antonius Varus, Gokuuh, Sphersian, Sissille, and Aikiweezie: Thanks for the reviews! Hope you enjoy this chapter.